By: Richard L. Smith
Middlesex County officials reported that Kevin Bethea, 60, of Newark, has been sentenced for the crimes of Attempted Sexual Assault, Terroristic Threats, Criminal Restraint, and Criminal Sexual Contact.
According to Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone September 30, 2016, at approximately 3:00 P.M., Carteret Police responded to a residence in Carteret for a report of a sexual assault.
Upon arrival, officers located Bethea and the adult female victim in the residence. The victim reported that Bethea assaulted, threatened, and attempted to rape her.
Prosecutor Ciccone said Bethea was arrested at the residence. He was subsequently indicted for one count of second-degree Attempted Sexual Assault, two counts of third-degree Terroristic Threats, and one count of third-degree Criminal Restraint and one count of fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact.
Following the presentation of evidence by Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Pridgen, Prosecutor Ciccone said a jury convicted Bethea of all charges on July 22, 2021. Bethea was sentenced by the Superior Court Judge Andrea G. Carter on March 17, 2023, to an extended term of 20 years in state prison without parole, as well as Parole Supervision for Life and Megan’s Law registration.